Certified Nursing Assistants have a vital role in the medical field today. With the demanding need for health care world wide, there is often a high demand for CNA’s. By becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant one can work in a variety of medical facilities including hospitals, medical offices, and nursing homes. CNA’s generally work under the supervision of a charge nurse or physician in the facility that they are employed. By working in this profession one can feel proud that they spend their day helping others in need.
Most certified nursing assistant jobs require training, either in the form of a degree or certificate program. Completing these programs can lead to a higher salary and more job opportunities. Check out the programs below which offer free information:
Nurse Administrator Certificate by Kaplan University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing by Walden University
RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing by University of Phoenix
CNA Job Responsibilities
A Certified Nursing Assistant has many duties that are required while at work. They are the ones that spend a large amount of time with a patient to ensure that everything is going well. One of the associated duties of this profession is that they assist patients with ambulatory care. Many patients are in wheel chairs or have walkers. The CNA is trained to properly help the disabled patient get around to where they need to be. Some patients do not feel strong enough to push their own wheel chair and may require assistance at different times of the day or night.
CNA’s also offer assistance at meal time for their patients. Often the CNA will serve the meal, help cut it up if needed, or even feed the patient. Some patients require being moved into a different position when they need to eat. This is the duty of the CNA to assist them so they can consume their meals properly and avoid getting choked. In addition, after meal time the Certified Nursing Assistant will help clean the patient.
General housekeeping and hygiene of the patient are other responsibilities of a CNA. When a patient needs their sheets changed or blankets washed the CNA must assist with this. Also, a Certified Nursing Assistant must bathe their patient as well as dress them afterwards. Additionally, if the patient needs assistance brushing their hair or teeth, this is another responsibility of the CNA. Assisting the patient to use the restroom is also another task for the CNA.
The Certified Nursing Assistant will be responsible for making rounds and checking vital signs of the patient such as temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Furthermore, a CNA will be there to comfort the patient who may need emotional support. CNA’s often become close with their patient’s family members as well, and keep them updated on care and progress of the patient.
CNA Training and Education Requirements
The first requirement of becoming a CNA is that you must have a high school diploma or GED. After you have graduated high school, then you can attend a local community college that offers CNA training. Almost all area colleges have some type of nursing courses that can assist one in becoming a CNA. Sometimes CNA training can be found online as well. In Addition, in order to become a CNA, after the training program, one will be required to pass an examination to ensure that they are qualified to do the type of work required. CNA’s will be trained on heavy lifting, properly moving patients, blood borne illness, nutrition, care, and more.
CNA Salary and Wages
Certified Nursing Assistants are generally paid by the hour. The wages vary from state to state. Also, depending on the experience that one has, the pay may be increased. If you are employed in a large city, the pay may also be more than one who is employed in a rural area. A CNA with less experience will still make anywhere from $8 to $10 per hour. If you have been employed as a CNA for long periods of time, you can expect to make an average of $12 to $15 per hour.
CNA Certification
Once a person completes CNA training, they will need to become certified. By becoming certified, you will be a recognized member of the medical field. Certification shows that a person is fully competent to complete the job tasks that may be required for them to perform. Furthermore, certification shows that you are aware of the latest available information that is required for your job. In order to become certified you will need to pass a written exam. You will be required to write independent answers to questions, as well as multiple choice questions. Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant will assist with you getting a job, as well as let future employers know that you are fully motivated to fulfill your job duties. Certification is generally good for five years; when this time has expired your certification must be renewed.
CNA Professional Associations
There are several different professional nursing associations related to becoming a CNA. First, the ANA, or American Nurses Association is one of the largest organizations of nurses in the United States. The ANA promotes high nursing standards, as well as providing a positive outlook for CNA’s among other nurses. The ANA also promotes the rights of all nurses while on duty in their designated workplace. Other associations include the American Public Health Association, or APHA, which was established in the year 1872. The APHA represents many different health occupations, including Certified Nursing Assistants. Also, there is the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing. This association provides support for nurses who are employed in an ambulatory setting. Furthermore, founded in 1969 is the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, or AACN, which is a rather large specialty association for nurses throughout the United States. There are many more associations with this type of profession, as well as many student nursing associations that vary by state.
Nursing is a very demanding career that one must be physically and mentally able to handle. Before considering a job as a CNA, one should explore and decide if this type of work is right for you. There will be many not so pleasant tasks that one will complete on a daily basis. On the other hand, as a CNA, you can take pride in knowing that every day you are motivated in helping others who are less fortunate than you. Nurses are important people to their patients and families. A nurse is a very strong and compassionate person who is greatly appreciated for the work that they perform.
